> I’m still not positive I like yaml for the DSL, but that might be a personal bias and I’m not sure what an obviously better solution would be.

The yaml files in ESPHome aren't any different than yaml for Git Pipelines, Docker, or K8.

The don't contain much if any logic.

Here's my garage door based on a Malouf ESP Dev board (https://maloufelectronics.com/):

    esphome:
      name: garagedoor

    esp8266:
      board: esp01_1m

    # Enable logging
    logger:

    # Enable Home Assistant API
    api:

    ota:
      password: !secret garagedoor_ota_password

    wifi:
      ssid: !secret wifi_ssid
      password: !secret wifi_password

      # Enable fallback hotspot (captive portal) in case wifi connection fails
      ap:
        ssid: "Garage Fallback Hotspot"
        password: !secret garagedoor_hotspot_password

    # Enable Captive Portal
    captive_portal:

    # Define Hall Effect Sensor
    binary_sensor:
      platform: gpio
      pin: 
        number: GPIO16
        inverted: true
      name: "Garage Door Sensor"
      device_class: garage_door

    # Define Relay
    switch:
      - platform: gpio
        name: "Garage Door Relay"
        id: garage_door_relay
        pin: GPIO14
        restore_mode: ALWAYS_OFF
        on_turn_on:
        - delay: 1000ms
        - switch.turn_off: garage_door_relay